When Ben Spies takes to MotoGP for the 2010 season, it won’t be with the #19 that he has taken to the front of the pack in World Superbike, but instead with the #11 that gave him his good fortune in the AMA. Spies’ number plate has held great personal significance for the Texan, both with the #11 and #19 on it.

Spies will not be able to use the #19 in MotoGP, as Spanish rider Alvaro Baustista will be keeping his number (also #19) from the 250GP series. Spies’ use of the number came about when he moved to World Superbike, where Troy Corser was using Spies’ #11 already.

Choosing to honor his late friend Ryan Smith, Spies opted for the #19 for WSBK. Now coming full-circle, Spies finds the #11 unused in MotoGP, and will once again wear that number plate.